Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Confederate Jasmine

Member Susan writes~ I recently purchased two confederate jasmine plants with the idea of planting them after our yard is redone, which probably won't get done until next year now. I put the jasmine into two large planters. What am I doing wrong, or am I doing anything wrong? They have not bloomed at all.

A. I suspect three factors: watering, fertilizing and sunlight. Read through these recommendations and see if you are correct in all areas:

Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

Growth habit: An evergreen vine with small oval leaves and fragrant white flowers forming along shoots that grow to 6 feet long.

Light: Plant in full-sun to shady locations.

Water needed: Water every 3 to 4 days until established. Mature plants seldom need special waterings.

Feedings: Apply a balanced fertilizer in March, June and September, if needed, to encourage growth.

Propagation: Start new plants from cuttings.

Ease of culture: Easy.

Hardiness: Hardy.

Use: Confederate jasmine is a quick-growing vine that can fill a trellis or cover barren ground in months. During April and May the vines fill with fragrant clusters of white blossoms.

Tom MacCubbin for the Orlando [Fla.] Sentinel - Photo at: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/Hort/FlaFoliage/Confederate%20Jasmine.htm